IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines

Best Triathlon Swim Course in Asia 2018

Long Course: IRONMAN 70.3 PHILIPPINES-CEBU

If you ever wondered how the swim at the Ironman World Championships in Kona feels like, this beach and ocean water of Mactan Island at Cebu gets pretty close. It’s a challenging but definitely a beautiful swim. One need to stay focused at their effort and pacing plan not to get too distracted by several types of fish, coral and sea life. Its only one lap, rectangle shape, and you swim clockwise. The rolling start makes it a much more relaxing, spacious effort. In 2015, strong current was experienced, which slowed down below-average swimmers, but in terms of water quality, marine life and safety (swim was marked with bouys and lines all throughout), the swim course at Ironman 70.3 Cebu is tops!

About Cebu, Philippines

Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007, 8th best Asian-Pacific island destination in 2005, 7th in 2004 and in 2009, with popular tourist destinations such as the Mactan Island. In a decade it has transformed into a global hub for furniture making, tourism, business processing services, and heavy industry.

Cebu has been the home of the IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines since 2012. Race Central is the beautiful Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa at the historic City of Lapu Lapu.

The Province of Cebu boasts of successfully putting the fast paced well connected metropolis lifestyle and the laid back serenity and beauty of an island province. The cuisine is unique and the people warm and friendly.

Event Experience

A total of 2,500 triathletes gather from over 45 countries, including former world champions and rising stars of the sport. The event also boasts of the one biggest and most complete triathlon expo to date.

Local celebrities, actors and actresses, local politicians are also avid supporters of this race, making it THE biggest and brightest race in Asia.

Oh, by the way all the finisher medals and podium trophies are designed and hand made by World Class Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

2500 Slots sold in four hours. 500 people in the waitlist. 97.6% participant ranking in 2013.

"It is very Kona-esk. If you want to race Kona, do this race – the heat, the wind, the atmosphere the crowd. This race is the jewel of the crown here in Asia." – Geoff Meyer, CEO, World Triathlon Corporation for Asia Pacific

"Triathlon, it is really more fun in the Philippines." – Brent McMahon

"I have raced in Europe, Australia, the United States but racing in the Philippines is different. It is like family." – Sam Betten

Course

Swim start at the beautiful Shangrlia Mactan Beach – with crystal clear water. T1 is at the Mactan Newtown, about 100 meters away from swim exit.

The bike traverses four cities forming an M –Loop, showcasing urban Cebu. Here you will experience the famous headwind of the Ironman 70.3 Cebu!

The run is along the roads of Punta Enngano, lined up by 100,000 townsfolk cheering every one until the last participant.

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Qualifying Race

There are 30 qualifying age group slots for the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.